First Sunday of Lent February 22, 2015

Your ways, O LORD, make known to me;

teach me your paths. — Psalm 25:4

OUR LENTEN JOURNEY: TO LOVE HIM IS TO KNOW HIM My dear friends in Christ, The football season is over and now we can focus on our journey this coming Lent. In our journey this Lenten Season, our theme is:

TO LOVE HIM IS TO KNOW HIM!

During Lent, our emphasis in our liturgies and our celebrations through music, words, and actions will be about bringing awareness to the many temptations that all of us will face in the desert. We all know that the desert is a dry and lonely place. So we wonder why Jesus decided to stay in the desert and be tempted by the devil! Perhaps the desert was “an ideal training ground where Jesus could claim and own his identity and mission!” There is no question that we have our own desert where we face our temptations. Our desert can make us lonely, frustrated, depressed, hurt or even broken. Amidst these human conditions, we too might succumb into the sins of materialism, bitterness and hatred. The forces of darkness will be there in many forms to take us away from the path of transformation. There will be a lot of temptations along the journey. We are reminded today in the gospel that “we are among wild beasts!” The prince of darkness will do everything to take us away from God. He doesn’t want us to succeed as children of God. He will be very active in his manipulative ways. That’s why we need to be strong and to really have focus. Remember temptations happen not because we are sinners, but because we are good. Yes we are capable of being good------- but we can also compromise our dignity. But at the end, we are given the blessed opportunity to decide in God’s favor! The season of Lent is a time of turning back to God, a time of repentance, a time of transformation. But for these things to happen, we need to be renewed, we need to change. The season of Lent challenges us to put our “LIFE IN ORDER!” So I invite you to fully participate in the many Lenten activities we have prepared for you. On Fridays during Lent at 7:30pm, I invite you to different experiences of hope, forgiveness, and reconciliation. There will be Stations of the Cross with Taize music, fish fry, Taize Prayer and movies about faith and God’s love. Please come! Remember that Lent is not what we give up, but it is about replacing our comfortable environment and favored activities with things that will draw us closer to God: increased prayer, faithfulness to the gospel, meditation and reflection. In the Jewish tradition, these are the signs of holiness. Let us together journey during this season of Lent with a “humble heart” to the beauty of Easter! Together we will celebrate the coming of the new dawn! May God bless you! Always, Fr. Geoffrey

February 21, 2015 - February 28, 2015 Saturday, February 21 5:00 pm + Nelly Briones Sunday, February 22

8:00 am + Jose Marquez 10 :00 am + Talita Fernandez 12:00 pm Tess Resurreccion (Spe. Int) 6:00 pm For the People Monday, February 23 8:00 am + Susan Franco Tuesday, February 24 8:00 am Rissa Almazan (Spe. Int) Wednesday, February 25 8:00 am Buenvenido & Marela Anima Thursday, February 26 8:00 am Bognot Family (Spe. Int) Friday, February 27 8:00 am Rodolfo & Linda Avencilla ( 40th Wedding Anniv.) Saturday, February 28 8:00 am + Ivan Martinez 5:00pm + Lourdes Estiqueta

Please pray for the sick… Esperanza Abdon, Ester Acda, Soledad Agoot, Johnny Ang, Susana Aquino, Charmaine & Ricky Arciga, Alma Arreglado, Ma. Teresa Arigo, Rachel Austria, Ederlinda Avecilla, Gay Badillo, Agapito Bagon, Eva Bancroft, Francisco Barrera, Victoria Bantugan, Nina Baquirano, Lolita A. Bascones, Fe & Miguel Bauzon, Alice Beans, Yoly Buhay, Bernabe Cabug, Evangeline Carrodus, Teofista Coloma, Epifanio Vito Cruz, Epitacio Cruz, Gouri Dasgupta, Magelinde Del Castillo, Llana Ganal, Alfonso & Flora De Guia, Ofelia de Guzman, Caleigh Foster de Leon, Alice De Loyola, Purificacion Del Rosario, Bert Dimaano, Nenita Dingcong, Theresa Diola, Angelina Dizon, Jose Domingo, Geraldine Dotson, Fely de Jesus, Albert Doble, Cezar Domingo, Juanita Estrella, Milagros Farren, David Fournell, Emerita Fulinar, Janice & John Hutalla, Rosario Ilustre, Edith Inata, Reynaldo Joachico, Erlinda Kasilag, Eric Igos, Tessie Lacandazon, Mori Lacson, Lilian Lauron, Carmelita Leal, Isabel Loyola, Arthur Macapagal, Lisa Mananquil, Bert Mariano, Elvira Mariano, Janet McCulley, Emy Medrano, Digna Mendoza, Rowena Millado, Juliana Minoza, Florentina Morales, Eric Morton, Felix Nanat, Teofisto Pacete, Roquita Padua, Zeny Pantorial, Esperanza Paz, Marlen Peralta, Mae Peralta, Orlando Peralta, Jimmy Pingree, Roces Pineda, Roy Porlaris, Benita Quintong, Cora Ragasa, Leo Reyes, Luisa Reyes, Felix Rivas, Charmaine Rivera, Anita Sacdalan, Susie Sacramento, Epifania Santos, Ted Santos, Ernest Sarmiento, Fe Segundo, Jose Segundo, AJ Siat, Antonio & Luz Siat, Ross Siat, Ruperto Sitchon, Ruby Soriano, Virginia Sosongco, Arnel Tayag, Joseph Thompson, David Topete, Leonard Torres, Petronila Torres, Manuel Trinidad, Joel Tubig, Tomas Trujillo, Pio Verdan, Lydia Villacorta, Delfin Villaflor, Joe Yumang, Dianne Zamora.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Lv 19:1-2, 11-18; Ps 19:8-10, 15; Mt 25:31-46 Tuesday: Is 55:10-11; Ps 34:4-7, 16-19; Mt 6:7-15 Wednesday: Jon 3:1-10; Ps 51:3-4, 12-13, 18-19; Lk 11:29-32 Thursday: Est C:12, 14-16, 23-25; Ps 138:1-3, 7c-8; Mt 7:7-12 Friday: Ez 18:21-28; Ps 130:1-8; Mt 5:20-26 Saturday: Dt 26:16-19; Ps 119:1-2, 4-5, 7-8; Mt 5:43-48 Sunday: Gn 22:1-2, 9a, 10-13, 15-18; Ps 116:10, 15-19; Rom 8:31b-34; Mk 9:2-10

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COUNCIL 8627 March 7th - Lovely Ladies Appreciation Dinner Dance March 25th - Regular Business Meeting, 8pm, CR #104 Brotherly reminder, membership dues are due. For inquiry about the Knights of Columbus and activities, please contact: Pol Marzan, Grand Knight pmarzan@tieg.com; (510) 566-8259

TODAY’S READINGS First Reading — I will set my bow in the clouds to serve as a sign of the covenant between me and the earth (Genesis 9:8-15). Psalm — Your ways, O Lord, are love and truth to those who keep your covenant (Psalm 25). Second Reading — The water of the flood prefigured baptism, which saves you now (1 Peter 3:18-22). Gospel — Jesus was tempted by Satan, and the an-gels ministered to him (Mark 1:12-15) The English translation of the Psalm Responses from the Lectionary for Mass © 1969, 1981, 1997, International Commission on English in the Liturgy Corporation. All rights reserved.

LENTEN OBSERVANCE

All Fridays of Lent are days of absti-nence from meat and meat products. This law obliges everyone who is 14 years of age and older. Ash Wednes-day and Good Friday are days of fast and abstinence (one full meal, two lesser meals, no meat, no eating be-tween meals). The law on fasting obliges all persons who are between the ages of 18 and 59.

ST. ANNE SCHOOL OF FAITH FORMATION (GRADES 1- 8)

FIRST COMMUNION (FC): For 133 First Communion students who are in their second year of faith formation and attend Tuesday First Communion classes…. Eucharist: We Give Thanks & Praise – Our children preparing for First Eucharist will seek to understand the significance of bread and wine as they learn how Jesus shares his very life with us in Eucharist. When we receive the Body and Blood of Christ at Communion, let us take a moment to thank God for the gift of the Eucharist. Please continue to keep these children in your prayers.

R E M I N D E R FC student with One Parent/Guardian

must attend EUCHARIST FAMILY GATHERING

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Topic: Eucharist

4:45p–6:00p CHURCH - Group 1 6:15p–7:30p CHURCH - Group 2

Saint Anne Youth Ministry Saint Anne Youth Ministry will meet on Monday, February 23rd at 6:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. The topic of our meeting will be: “Beginning Our Lenten Journey--Accepting God’s Love, Peace and Grace In Our Lives.” St. Anne Confirmation Saint Anne Confirmation Candidates and Sponsors will meet this afternoon (Sunday) at 3:30 p.m. in the Parish Hall. We will attend the 6:00 p.m. Mass together after class.

R.C.I.A. Are you an adult who is interested in being baptized Catholic? was baptized in another Christian tradition and would like to explore what being Catholic is all about? was baptized Catholic as a child, but has not celebrated the Sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist? If you answered yes to any of the above, please consider joining our ongoing Inquiry sessions for chance to ask questions, learn more about us and about the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults, the process by which adults join the Church. No commitment required. For more information, call the parish office at 510-471-7766 or email: stanneadultfaithformation@gmail.com

CCD CHILDREN’S STEWARDSHIP ENVELOPES

Roderick: CP 1, R.103, Cleaned up my toys & treasure giving is $1.00. Red R.: Rm. 105, I helped my grand parents carry things from the car & treasure giving is $1.00. Jacob Quian: R.105, Made Valentines for Mom. Matthew M.: Gr. 5, I gave gifts to my class mates on Valentines day. Jasmine: Rm.104, Helping my family & treasure giving is $1.00. Megan: Gr. 2, I carried the books for my friend. Bailey: I made a cake for my cousin. Tyler Medeiros: I helped around the house. Feliza: Gr. 6, I gave my friend food. Kyle Gatchalian: Gr. 6, gave my friend some money for food. Aiden Hui: Gr. 1, I helped my classmate with their work. Isabella Adion: I put my clothes away. Karina Rose: Rm. 104, treasure giving $1.00. Cassandra Limjoco: Gr.2, Treasure giving $1.00 & helped clean up my room.

DIVINE MERCY The Divine Mercy Apostolate is inviting you for their Cenacle prayer **every Friday at 7:00 pm, CR # 104 except for First Friday in the Church. Please come and join us in prayers. If you have any questions please call: Lou Castro - 510-396-1162, Carmencita Draculan-510-449-4447, or Diane Domingo- 510-676-9006.

ST. ANNE ADULT FAITH FORMATION LENTEN SCRIPTURE STUDY

We are a people loved by God! Lent is a perfect time to make the journey toward the divine heart. Embedded in each week’s readings and liturgy during this holy season is a divine summons to come closer to Christ. All parishioners are invited to participate in weekly scrip-ture sharing where we will have the opportunity reflect on the Sunday Gospel readings that reveal God’s love for us and to respond with our hearts and lives. Sessions will be held on: Wednesdays, 7:45 pm (after the Mass) in the Church: February 25, March 4, 11, 25 (Note: no session on March 18 due to parish reconciliation service) Thursdays, 9:00 am in the Hall: February 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26 Together, let us encounter Jesus, growing in faith and love. To know Him is to love Him!

Sunday, February 22, 2015 THIS WEEK AT ST. ANNE Monday, February 23 8:00 am - MASS, CH 9:00 am - Legion of Mary, CR #103 4:45 pm - Faith Formation, CR #102-106 6:00 pm -Youth Ministry, SH 7:30 pm - Lectors, CH Tuesday, February 24 8:00 am - MASS, CH 4:45 pm - Faith Formation, CR #102-106 5:30 pm - CYO, SH 7:30 pm - RCIA, CH, CR # 106 7:30 pm - Knights of Columbus, CR #104 Wednesday, February 25 8:00 am - MASS, CH 4:00 pm - Children’s Choir CH 4:45 pm - Faith Formation, CR #102-106 6:00 pm - SPRED, CR # 106 7:00 pm - Perpetual Help, CH 7:30 pm - Knights of Columbus, CR #104 Thursday, February 26 8:00 am - MASS, CH 5:00 pm - Faith Formation, CR #103-106 & SH 6:00 pm - Faith Formation, CR #102 7:30 pm - Loren Choir, CH 7:30 pm - Unity Choir, CR #106 7:30 pm - Festival, CR #104 7:30 pm - Servites, CR# 103 7:30 pm - Fit Club, SH Friday, February 27 8:00 am - MASS, CH 10:30 am - Lectio Divina, CR #103 5:00 pm - Legion of Mary, CR# 103 5:00 pm - Grief Ministry, C# 102 6:00 pm - Stations of the Cross, CH 6:30 pm - Fish Fry Friday, SH Saturday, February 28 8:00 am & 5:00 pm - MASS, CH, 8:45 am - SPRED, CR #104,-106 9:30 am - Lectio Divina, CR #103 10:00 am - Individual User, SH 11:00 am - Indonesian Group, CR #105 1:00 pm - Indonesian Group, CH 6:15 pm - Charismatic, CR # 104 6:30 pm - El Shaddai, CH Sunday, March 1 8:00 & 10:00 am, 12:00 & 6:00 pm- MASS, CH 10:00 am - Unity Choir, CR #106 12:30 pm - Hand Maid of the Lord, CR #103 1:30 pm - Polish Community, CH, 7:30 pm - Divine Mercy, CH 7:30 pm - Fit Club, SH

FINANCE CORNER Weekly Collection Goals Sunday, February 15, 2015 $10,231.25 Budget $15,000.00 Over (Under) ($ 4,768.75)

"Rock Around the Crab" "Rock Around the Crab" - St. James the Apostle Crab Feed, at Holy Spirit Church's Hall, 37588 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, 6:00 p.m. Saturday, February 28. Come for delicious crab and home-made pasta - have some fun - and win prizes! Live auctions! Tickets $50.00 per person. Reserve and purchase tickets for a table for eight (8) and your table will receive a complimentary bottle of wine! Proceeds from this fund-raising event will go towards the building of the Mother Theresa Educational Center for Children. Call the parish office at 510-792-1962 for tickets and information.

NO-COST PREPARATION OF INCOME TAX AVAILABLE

A city social services agency is offering income tax preparation at no cost for low-income residents in southern Alameda County. The SparkPoint Fremont Family Resource Center has made available IRS-certified professionals to prepare taxes for households with an annual income of $53,000 or less. Free tax preparation is available from 4 to 8 pm, Mondays and Wednesdays, and 10 am to 1 pm Fridays, at the Fremont Family Resource Center, 29155 Liberty St. Fremont’s Tri-City Volunteers, 37350 Joseph St. will offer the program by appointment only from 10 am to 1 pm Tuesdays. Union City, tax preparation will be done from 10 am to 1 pm Saturdays at the Holly Community Center, 31600 Alvarado Blvd., and the Union City Library, 34007 Alvarado-Niles. The Newark Library, 6300 Civic Terrace Ave., will also host the program from 10 am - 1 pm Saturdays For more information call 510-574-2020 or www.Fremont.gov/SparkPointFRC

THE QUALITY OF CHANGE To change and to change for the better are two different things. —German proverb